What countries does worldwide travel insurance cover?
Worldwide travel insurance can cover you for travel to almost anywhere in the world.
Popular destinations global travel insurance will typically cover you for are:
- Europe
- Asia
- Africa
- Australia
- The Middle East
Healthcare in some places can be pricier than elsewhere, so including some countries can lead to a pricier overall policy.
More expensive policies might also provide you with cover for travel to:
- The USA
- Canada
- The Caribbean
- Mexico
What our travel insurance expert says
How much medical treatment you’re entitled to can vary in countries all over the world. You can save yourself a shocking medical bill costing you £1000’s, by making sure you’ve got a worldwide travel insurance policy that covers you for all the countries that you plan on visiting.
If that's not enough of a reason for you, buying one policy could save you time and money rather than having to buy single-trip cover for each country that you visit.
Jac Morris
Travel insurance product executive
Need more help?
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still use Confused.com to get a quote for worldwide travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition. These conditions could include cancer, stroke, serious heart, respiratory and terminal conditions.
Some insurers may not offer you worldwide travel insurance if you already have a serious medical condition, or if you have several conditions. Others might only offer insurance at a much higher price. If you can’t find suitable cover, the Money and Pension Service (MaPS) has set up a directory of insurers willing to cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions.
You can find their directory of insurers on the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) website or you can phone them on 0800 138 7777 for free impartial advice.
Do I need worldwide travel insurance for my gap year?
Worldwide travel insurance is a good idea if you're going on a big trip, but you should always check the policy wording to make sure it’s right for your particular needs. If you’re taking a gap year, then backpacker insurance is a better fit.
Annual worldwide travel insurance will cover you for multiple trips during a 12-month period, but only for up to 31 days per trip. Backpacker travel insurance is ideal if you’re going on a longer trip like a gap year – it can cover multiple destinations for up to 18 months of continuous travel.
Do I worldwide travel insurance if I have a Ghic card?
A Ghic card is good to have but it doesn’t replace worldwide travel insurance. A Ghic card gives you access to state medical care in the EU, so it won’t help you if you’re travelling outside Europe.
If you rely on the Ghic card for medical treatment while travelling in the EU, it doesn’t mean there won’t be any medical bills to pay. With the Ghic card, you pay the same as the locals: depending on the EU country, medical treatment may either be free or offered at a reduced rate.
Aside from limited medical treatment in the EU, the Ghic card won’t provide any of the other benefits you get with worldwide travel insurance, including medical repatriation.
Does worldwide travel insurance cover the UK?
Yes, the UK can be covered as part of a worldwide travel insurance policy. If you’re only travelling in the UK, you can get one of our UK travel insurance policies.
If you need single trip worldwide travel insurance, annual world travellers insurance or backpacker insurance, make sure you list the UK as one of the countries you’ll be visiting when getting a quote.
Or, if you need annual travel insurance or a backpackers policy, just make sure to select the UK as your destination to get cover specifically for travel within the UK.
When should I buy worldwide travel insurance?
You should take out worldwide travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holidays. Otherwise, you risk not being covered if your accommodation or flights get cancelled due to unforeseen events. Cancellation cover on worldwide travel insurance starts from the day you select the policy to begin.
At the very latest, you should buy worldwide travel insurance the day before you depart or there's a risk you won't be covered for things like medical costs and lost baggage as well.
Types of travel insurance
European travel insurance
it will cover you for any holidays that you've got planned in Europe this year.
Family travel insurance
means you can get one policy that covers everyone, rather than buying individual policies.
Long stay travel insurance
is the perfect policy for those who plan to travel for an extended period.
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